Jazztronik "Bon Voyage!"
Jazztronik (MySpace) collaborates with select shop Tomorrowland to bring this album of rearranged versions of Jazztronik tracks and also Nozaki Ryōta solo piano works. Jazztronik "Bon Voyage!" 1. Butterfly Dance 2. Sign of Tomorrow 3. Beira Mar 4. Abyssal Hill...
Posted on July 12, 2010 at 22:43. | Released on July 14, 2010
Hosokawa Fumie "The Best Hit & Heal + Clips 'Hosokawa Fumie' Best Collection"
Big-chested gravure idol Hosokawa Fumie was only active musically for 2 years in the early 90's, but she had some great songs including ones produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) and Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). Greatest hits album "Hit &...
Posted on July 12, 2010 at 22:18. | Released on July 14, 2010
Gig report: "E*P=10Y" Elektel and Pyokn's 10th anniversary
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last weekend, on Sunday June 13, was held an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of two bands, Elektel and Pyokn, incidentally formed around the same time. The event was...
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 18:21.
Various Artists "Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third" (12")
From the recent "Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third" cover album produced by Sunaga Tatsuo will be released a selection of 8 songs on two 12"'s. Tracks are grouped by the artists' provenance, European and Japanese. Various Artists "Club Jazz...
Posted on June 13, 2010 at 01:15. | Released on June 18, 2010
DJ Mami "First Chic", Yū Suzuki "First Chic"
Here continues a series of mix CDs started by Horibe Yūmin (resident DJ of party "Joke"). All titled "First Chic", these are the first mix CDs by DJ Mami and Yū Suzuki (also of "Joke"). DJ Mami is introduced a...
Posted on June 12, 2010 at 09:45. | Released on March 22, 2010
Various Artists "Kill your T.V. meets felicity EP -curated by Aiha Higurashi-"
Higurashi Aiha (ex-Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her) selects this nice-priced compilation EP of songs from label felicity's catalog. Included are yet unreleased new songs by her unit LOVES. (from upcoming album to be released on July 28), and also...
Posted on June 6, 2010 at 18:32. | Released on June 16, 2010
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.4 Gemini IV Space Nova! - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
This classic live mix tape by Sunaga Tatsuo has been remastered to be released for the first time on CD later this month. This will be available at specialized record shops such as Jet Set, DMR and Disk Union. Pre-order...
Posted on June 5, 2010 at 13:30. | Released in June 2010
Various Artists "Beautiful Girls Electro"
First of a compilation series, "Beautiful Girls Electro" presents Osaka indies electro artists including EeL, Sucrette, Tokyo Pinsalocks and many more. Not to be missed at this low price! Various Artists "Beautiful Girls Electro" (Title / Artist) 1. introduction 2....
Posted on June 3, 2010 at 23:59. | Released on May 19, 2010
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki "6 FORCE" in-store live at Ishimaru Soft
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This Tuesday, the day before the release of mini-album "6 FORCE", Aira Mitsuki gave her first in-store show of a promo tour. I went to have a peek. Held on the 7th...
Posted on June 3, 2010 at 00:04.
Boot Beat "Manifesto 5"
This 5th of Boot Beat's popular "Manifesto" mix CD series brings us more happy and catchy, fresh-sounding jazzy tunes, both standards and obscure, and sure to make you want to dance. Available now at Jet Set! Boot Beat "Manifesto 5"...
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 21:28. | Released on March 24, 2010
Gig report: Rogue Wave vol.1
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Tuesday after a rough day at work, I headed to Shindaita Fever (Shindaita is the station next to Shimokitazawa), a venue I had yet never been to. There was...
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 23:00.
Various Artists "Tatsuo Sunaga & Norma Blu Capitolo 2"
Japan-based Italian jazz label Norma Blu was started last year by Paolo Scotti, mainly releasing albums from his Italian label Dejavu. This year began series "Capitolo" selected by Japanese DJs. The first one out last March was done by Jazztronik...
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 21:24.
Gig report: Vanilla Beans release in-store event at HMV Shibuya
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Vanilla Beans have a new mini-album titled "Def & Def" out this week. They're doing in-store live shows through the weekend to promote it, and I went to see the first one...
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 00:04.
Various Artists "Motivation H compiled by DJ Towa Tei"
Towa Tei has a new compilation, 8th of his "Motivation" series, coming in July! This one is called "Motivation H", after his regular party "Hotel H" that started last summer. Included are 4 new remixes of his own tracks, 3...
Posted on May 15, 2010 at 19:49. | Released on July 7, 2010
Various Artists "Tokyo Luxury Lounge 4"
A 4th installment of the popular "Tokyo Luxury Lounge" series is coming from label Grand Gallery. All tracks are previously unreleased in full length on CD (to be precise, Studio Apartment's track is previously unreleased on CD in Japan). Audio...
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 19:35. | Released on May 12, 2010
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki one-man live at Liquidroom
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Aira Mitsuki keeps taking techno-pop to a higher level, always in a way that I like. Yesterday she performed a one-man show at Liquidroom in Ebisu, backed from start to finish by...
Posted on May 7, 2010 at 00:12.
KOR=GIRL "KIYOMIZU" (Download)
A brand new unit called KOR=GIRL debuted today with this download-only release. Described as a "2-girl beat hitting unit", the two sing and hit Korg Wavedrums. The producer behind this is Terukado, same as for Aira Mitsuki and Saori@destiny. This...
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 22:42. | Released on May 5, 2010
Various Artists "commmons: schola vol.5 Yukihiro Takahashi & Haruomi Hosono Selections: Drums & Bass"
Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons has a series of compilations coming with a book, called "schola". The series started with 3 installments of classical music, but vol.4 brought jazz, and now vol.5 invites the two other YMO members Takahashi Yukihiro and...
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 09:12. | Released on April 21, 2010
Gig report: Nagisa Yoko Recital 2010
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday April 26 was Nagisa Yōko's recital at Shibuya Quattro, an event to celebrate the issue of her new 400-page photo book titled "NAGISA" . The show featured a full band,...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 18:55.
Gig report: HNC Release Party "Cult Club"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Friday April 30 was the overdue release party for HNC's album "Cult" released last December. HNC used to be known as Hazel Nuts Chocolate, the solo project of a girl...
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 14:50.
Roman Porsche. "nusunda Bike de amagigoe"
Comical new wave (?) two-guy unit Roman Porsche (MySpace) have a new album coming, after about 6 years. Member Okite Porsche, who is an active figure in the idol world, has recently been supporting Vanilla Beans who find themselves here...
Posted on April 17, 2010 at 00:52. | Released on April 21, 2010
Vanilla Beans "Def & Def"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new mini-album titled "Def & Def", after the song they sing in a commercial for unisex deodorant "D&D" (this one stands for "Deo & Dry"). The song is included here in two different versions,...
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 23:08. | Released on May 19, 2010
Gig report: Little Lounge Little Twinkle at Club 440
Text and photos by Ken M (Japan Live) Whatever happened to Shibuya-kei? I believe I saw its remnants at the Club 440 last month. The band was Little Lounge Little Twinkle. The trio just released a brilliant debut album called...
Posted on April 10, 2010 at 20:18.
Gig report: Tokyo Pinsalocks, Noodles, Kinoco Hotel at Que
Text and photos by Ken M (Japan Live) Sunday was girl band night at the Club Que, but the three featured groups had little in common other than that they were all girls. First up was Kinoco Hotel, AKA "mushroom...
Posted on March 8, 2010 at 03:37.
Crazy Ken Band "Best tsuru", "Best kame"
Crazy Ken Band's leader Yokoyama Ken will celebrate his 50th birthday this year on July 7. Fans are treated to two all-time greatest hits albums, each containing 15 tracks. This covers their whole career, and comes from two different labels,...
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 23:16. | Released on February 24, 2010
Little Lounge*Little Twinkle "stitch"
The latest from Osaka label Orange Records is a band formed in 2007 called Little Lounge*Little Twinkle. The quiet pop unit of 3 features viola and cute female vocals. Groove Unchant (while supplies last).--> Audio samples at Tower Records and...
Posted on February 13, 2010 at 21:18. | Released on February 17, 2010
Original Soundtrack "ryūsen no kanata"
Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Sally Soul Stew) has went back to studio with two former band mates from The Phantom Gift, his 80's neo-GS band, to make music for the soundtrack of this full-length documentary about the Toyota 2000GT sports...
Posted on February 10, 2010 at 00:28. | Released on February 17, 2010
Various Artists "Kirakira Majocco Cluv"
This looks like it might be a real gem of a compilation! The concept is of idols singing theme songs of anime series about magical girls, and tracks are produced by various club-oriented artists. Featured singers include Shinohara Tomoe and...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on February 10, 2010
Various Artists "Tokio Electro Lovers"
Following "Electro Girl Lovers" released last year, here comes another electro compilation of the same series. This one contains mainly previously released tracks, featuring FPM, m-flo, Suzuki Ami joins Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Ōsawa Shinichi, immi, Mademoiselle Yulia and many others...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 20:29. | Released on February 10, 2010
Yuka Honda "Heart Chamber Phantoms"
Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) has a brand new 3rd solo album out this week on John Zorn's Tzadik label! This succeeds "Eucademix" (2004) and "Memories Are My Only Witness" (2002), both truly brilliant electronic music albums that give high expectations...
Posted on January 25, 2010 at 22:10. | Released on January 26, 2010
dorlis "swingin' street 4"
Here's a new album from singer dorlis, whose releases are all called "swingin' street". Always collaborating with interesting artists, this time there are songs featuring Sunaga Tatsuo, Ino Hidefumi, Toki Asako, quasimode, kotringo, paris match and more. A video for...
Posted on January 23, 2010 at 01:06. | Released on January 27, 2010
Various Artists "Second Royal Vol.5"
A year since "Second Royal Vol.4", here comes a 5th compilation from the Kyoto label! Again this includes brand new tracks by label artists Halfby, Fredo, Rufus, Satoru Ono, a few remixes involving Handsomeboy Technique, and also tracks by new...
Posted on January 17, 2010 at 23:19. | Released on January 27, 2010
Polysics "Bestoisu!!!!"
Here comes a greatest hits album of Polysics (MySpace), covering from when drummer Yano joined in 2005 until now. This also precedes the leaving of singer Kayo who announced she will quit the band after their March 14 show at...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 16:13. | Released on January 13, 2010
Various Artists "Post Newnow - Crue-L Classic Remixes Vol.2 - Compiled by Kenji Takimi"
Here's a new remix compilation from Crue-L Records, compiled by Takimi Kenji. This includes songs by many Crue-L artists, remixed by Sunahara Yoshinori, Ken Ishii, Inoue Kaoru, Yura Yura Teikoku, and more. Many previously unreleased tracks, or ones on CD...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 14:20. | Released on January 22, 2010
Perfume "Perfume Second Tour 2009 'chokkaku nitouhen sankakkei Tour'" (DVD)
Perfume's recent tour for album "⊿" is getting a DVD release. More specifically, this is the final show of the tour, held at Yokohama Arena on October 30, 2009, included in its entirety. A bonus disc contains 2 songs with...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 22:05. | Released on January 13, 2010
The Aprils "Back To The Future Music", "Space Dream Bathroom"
First thing to look forward to in 2010 is The Aprils' new 4th album, titled "Back To The Future Music"! We can expect again more of that great band-style future-pop sound. The album's first pressing comes with a bonus CD...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 15:15. | Released on January 6, 2010
Maezono Naoki Group "hi o tsukeru. Maezono Naoki Group dai1shū."
Maezono Naoki Group, band featuring Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) on piano, released its first album on vinyl only last June and sold out quickly. Finally this is also coming on CD, and that in a mini-LP sleeve! The CD will...
Posted on December 6, 2009 at 01:43. | Released on December 9, 2009
XXX Residents "Attack of Killer Black Eye Ball!!!!" (CD+DVD)
Spin-off from visual artist Ukawa Naohiro's Ukawanimation! project, XXX Residents is a mysterious multimedia cosplay unit paying tribute to of The Residents. Inside of the eyeballs, it is rumored that Ukawa himself is joined by musicians from iLL, Cicada... Also...
Posted on November 14, 2009 at 19:31. | Released on November 18, 2009
Coldfeet "MJ The Tour"
This made it too late, although maybe just at the right time for listeners. Coldfeet's monster 2-year project to cover Michael Jackson's best hits features some of Japan's best club scene artists, making many of these great songs more danceable...
Posted on November 8, 2009 at 01:16. | Released on November 4, 2009
Kinbara Chieko "Night & Day Remixies"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a new remix album out now, covering her two previous albums "Sweetest Day" and "Velvet Night" both released last year. Remixers include some of Japan's top club artists, such as Daishi Dance, Coldfeet, Jazzin' park,...
Posted on November 8, 2009 at 00:58. | Released on November 4, 2009
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans Produce kaigi DVD" (DVD)
Neo-Shibuya-kei idol unit Vanilla Beans has a first DVD coming. Included is a talk event held earlier this year with Okite Porsche (of unit Roman Porsche), a funny long-haired guy who's an important figure of the idol scene. The DVD...
Posted on October 26, 2009 at 23:00. | Released on October 28, 2009
Boot Beat "Manifesto! 4"
DJ Boot Beat (aka Kamiya Naoaki) has a 4th mix CD of his popular "Manifesto!" series. Like the previous, this mixes pop, happy jazz, easy listening, Latin, Brazillian sounds, centered on swinging tunes from the 60's and 70's, plus breakbeats...
Posted on October 22, 2009 at 23:26. | Released on October 20, 2009
"komadori eiga: Komaneko no Christmas ~maigo ni natta Present~" (DVD)
A sequel to the popular cute stop-animation movie "Komaneko" (2006), featuring a cat who in turn created stop-animation, is coming in time for Christmas! The title translates to "Komaneko's Christmas: The Lost Present". The previous movie had no dialog, except...
Posted on October 18, 2009 at 11:51. | Released on December 2, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "Aira Mitsuki '5' mix" (12")
Aira Mitsuki, techno-pop idol who is also popular with the club scene, is having a first ever vinyl release thanks to Dance Music Records. Included are selected tracks from her two albums "Copy" and "Plastic", as well as two previously...
Posted on October 15, 2009 at 23:54. | Released on October 19, 2009
Various Artists "From Us To You! The covers of the Fab Four by Japanese performers"
This new Japanese release contains previously released covers of The Beatles performed by Japanese artists, including Takahashi Yukihiro (Yellow Magic Orchestra), Clammbon, Hirota Mieko and many more. Nice jacket too! Various Artists "From Us To You! The covers of the...
Posted on October 13, 2009 at 23:43. | Released on October 21, 2009
Vanilla Beans "LOVE&HATE"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new single, following their first full-length self-titled album earlier this year. They continue to appeal to Shibuya-kei fans, with title song "LOVE&HATE" having lyrics by Kaji Hideki. The two B-sides are also great! This...
Posted on September 14, 2009 at 23:58. | Released on September 9, 2009
Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi: 'Katamari Damacy Tribute' Original Soundtrack"
This new cover and remix album of songs from new Playstation 3 game "Katamari Damacy Tribute" features YMCK (MySpace), Buffalo Daughter (MySpace), Sexy-Synthesizer (MySpace), rei harakami, Matsumae Kimitaka (Expo), Kirinji, Afra, Señor Coconut, atom and more. Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi:...
Posted on August 25, 2009 at 21:09. | Released on August 19, 2009
Crystal Kay "Best of Crystal Kay"
Ok this is out of my camp, but this 30-song 2-CD greatest hits album of singer Crystal Kay (Wikipedia) will contain a new song by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume), only on a bonus 3rd disc in the limited edition. Other...
Posted on August 18, 2009 at 21:21. | Released on September 2, 2009
Various Artists "PANIC Level.01"
Excellent magazine Marquee, always keeping the post-Shibuya-kei scene happy, brings us a compilation featuring some of the best Japan has to offer recently, and that at a nice price. Included are songs by Urbangarde (MySpace), Dr.USUI (Motocompo), Sweet Vacation (MySpace),...
Posted on August 11, 2009 at 23:54. | Released on August 5, 2009
Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band "Between My Head and The Sky"
Following a download-only EP, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band now brings us a full-length album! Featured musicians include Oyamada Keigo, Araki Yūko (mi-gu), Shimizu Hirotaka (all three of The Cornelius Group), Honda Yuka (Cibo Matto), and Sean Lennon. The recording was...
Posted on August 10, 2009 at 23:48. | Released on September 16, 2009
Ryō-san "kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari-kōenmae Hashutsujo"
The latest by Konishi Yasuharu is this ska-ish track sung by Katori Shingo of superstar boy group SMAP. It's a return of the duo of super-hit "oha Rock" (sung by Shingo Mama), probably one of Konishi's works that sold the...
Posted on August 3, 2009 at 23:35. | Released on August 5, 2009
Soccerboy "My Dear Horse"
Soccerboy (MySpace), boss of label Tokyo Fun Party and salaryman DJ acclaimed in Tokyo's underground club scene, has a first real mix CD out now, available through HMV Japan only. The CD contains plenty of floor-ready tracks and even a...
Posted on August 2, 2009 at 14:10. | Released on August 1, 2009
Sunahara Yoshinori "No Boys No Cry Original Soundtrack"
A whole 8 years since the amazing album "Lovebeat", Sunahara Yoshinori (ex-Denki Groove) brings us this new original release in the form of his first ever movie soundtrack. The movie is "No Boys, No Cry", a Japan/Korea collaboration directed by...
Posted on July 27, 2009 at 23:21. | Released on July 29, 2009
Unicorn "URMX"
Unicorn, the band of Okuda Tamio that just got back to life this year, has a remix album coming this week, featuring remixes by Konishi Yasuharu, Fantastic Plastic Machine, Tokumaru Shūgo, Takagi Kan, Tahiti 80 and more. Unicorn "URMX" 1....
Posted on July 19, 2009 at 23:39. | Released on July 22, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "PLASTIC"
This week, Aira Mitsuki is back with a 2nd album, not even a year since "Copy". I count 7 tracks taken from the three latest singles: "Robot Honey", "sayonara Technopolis", and "BARBiE BARBiE", leaving us with 7 brand new tracks...
Posted on July 19, 2009 at 22:25. | Released on July 22, 2009
Perfume "⊿"
Perfume's 3rd album is coming next week, with a strange title that reads "Triangle". Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this follow-up to best-selling "Game" comes with very high expectations! Included are the 3 latest singles "One Room Disco", "love...
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 22:35. | Released on July 8, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "Aira no kagaku CD"
Aira Mitsuki has a new CD being sold only at the "exciting bookstore" chain Village Vanguard throughout Japan. The title refers to "otona no kagaku" ("science for adults"), a magazine that always comes with a kit to build something, last...
Posted on June 17, 2009 at 21:01. | Released on June 17, 2009
akiko "Hit Parade -London Nite Tribute-"
Jazz singer akiko has a rocking new album coming up, paying tribute to Japan's first rock DJ event "London Nite". Featured producers include Konishi Yasuharu, Sunaga Tatsuo (sunaga t experience), Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico) and more. Konishi Yasuharu's tracks...
Posted on June 11, 2009 at 23:51. | Released on June 24, 2009
Vanilla Beans "koi no Theory" (Download)
More good post-Shibuya-kei pop from Vanilla Beans with their latest single "koi no Theory", now available for download only. The song is the theme of movie "fujoshi kanojo". There's some remix contest going on, grab the files by going here...
Posted on June 10, 2009 at 23:59. | Released on April 28, 2009
Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band "Don't Stop Me!" (Download)
Yoko Ono's latest work brings back the Plastic Ono Band name with a new EP titled "Don't Stop Me!" now released for download only. Featured musicians include Oyamada Keigo, Araki Yūko, Shimizu Hirotaka (all three of The Cornelius Group), Honda...
Posted on June 10, 2009 at 23:23. | Released on June 9, 2009
Furukawa Miki "Bondage Heart-Remixes"
Ex-Supercar singer and bassist Furukawa Miki (MySpace) has a remix album out last month featuring Sunahara Yoshinori, iLL (also ex-Supercar), De De Mouse, Tanaka Fumiya and many more. Furukawa Miki "Bondage Heart-Remixes" フルカワミキ 「Bondage Heart-Remixes」 1. B.B.W. (remixed by The...
Posted on June 8, 2009 at 23:41. | Released on May 13, 2009
Sucrette "Bon Voyage"
Kyoto-based post-Shibuya-kei boy-girl unit Sucrette (MySpace) has a 2nd album coming soon, and it will include remixes by Aprils and Melting Holidays. The album is available a bit early at iTunes Japan. Sucrette "Bon Voyage" 1. bon voyage 2. lovely...
Posted on May 4, 2009 at 23:26. | Released on May 20, 2009
Original Soundtrack "Baby Baby Baby!"
New movie "Baby Baby Baby!" is a spin-off of the popular TV drama series "Nurse no oshigoto", and Kamomiya Ryō (Manna, early Pizzicato Five) has done the soundtrack, as he was responsible for the whole TV series' music. The comedy...
Posted on May 4, 2009 at 19:04. | Released on May 20, 2009
Various Artists "Speedking Vol.2"
Here's a 2nd installment of the "J-death techno" compilation series "Speedking". This includes the latest by Yoshida Tetsuto, Arai Toshiya, Bubble-B, Cherryboy Function, and more. This includes a bonus CD with a megamix of tracks from Vol.1, Vol.2 and then...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 23:00. | Released on May 27, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - Universal
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 01:14. | Released on April 22, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "BARBiE BARBiE"
A new single coming from Aira Mitsuki (MySpace), and this time Canadian electronic artist I am Robot and Proud (MySpace) is said to be contributing a remix! The jacket and video (below) shows her wearing a blonde wig to fit...
Posted on April 28, 2009 at 23:44. | Released on May 20, 2009
8bit Project "Spicy Innovator VS Superior Marionette"
Here's a 2nd album by 8bit Project, the unit of Itō Toshiharu (ex-Mansfield), Matsutake Hideki (Logic System, and also the said "4th member of YMO") and Saitō Hisahi (of YMO homage band Y Setsu O). Like their first album "Familiar...
Posted on April 27, 2009 at 21:46. | Released on April 29, 2009
Various Artists "House Nation - Ruby"
This new compilation of Avex' House Nation series includes two Fantastic Plastic Machine appearances: a ravex track and also a remix he did of The BPA (aka Norman Cook) feat. Iggy Pop. Also included is a version of Ayuse Kozue's...
Posted on April 17, 2009 at 00:11. | Released on April 8, 2009
Various Artists "14 Girls' Life"
This compilation titled "14 Girls' Life" has a concept of featuring female vocalists from different genres, from electronica to post-rock, jazz and future-pop. I'm delighted to see favorite future-pop artists such as Iguchi Miho (Aprils), Yuppa (Hazel Nuts Chocolate) and...
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 22:20. | Released on April 1, 2009
"kimagure Robot" (DVD+CD)
Cornelius made the music for this movie called "kimagure Robot" that's now out on DVD and comes in a special package containing the soundtrack CD. "kimagure Robot" ("The Capricious Robot") is a 40-minute short film in black & white, about...
Posted on March 1, 2009 at 11:54. | Released on February 25, 2009
Various Artists "House Disney"
Fantastic Plastic Machine has contributed a track to this house cover compilation of Disney tunes! Also featured are Meg, Q;indivi, Ayuse Kozue, Osawa Shinichi and more. The FPM track only has been specially released in advance on iTunes Japan. That's...
Posted on January 22, 2009 at 21:58. | Released on January 28, 2009
Citrus "Pits Are The Pits (25 GOLD=RARE=DEBRIS 1992-2000)"
Legendary band Citrus has a first and last "album" out just now! This is actually a collection of all of their 4 released EPs plus a bunch of rarities, such as rare tracks "Hivernate under the ground" (from magazine Barf-Out!,...
Posted on January 17, 2009 at 23:33. | Released on January 21, 2009
Star Dish "Jazz Conversation E.P." (12")
Star Dish is the new unit of Organ Bar DJ Sano Atsushi (behind the brilliant unit Sherlock Notes) together with Katokunnlee (aka Playa). This first single contains a future latin jazz cover of "Balkan Blue" featuring members of Jabberloop, and...
Posted on January 16, 2009 at 23:36. | Released on January 16, 2009
Various Artists "Electro Girl Lovers"
This compilation brings out some relatively new faces in Japan's female electro-pop scene. Featured are Fujisawa Shiho (with a track from her upcoming album "Funky Girl"), immi, CHIX CHICKS, Ikio Ayaka, SAWA, British-Japanese MiChi, and more. Audio samples at HMV...
Posted on January 12, 2009 at 23:59. | Released on January 7, 2009
Towa Tei "Big Fun"
DiscID: 890a430a
Posted on January 11, 2009 at 12:44. | Released on February 4, 2009
les 5-4-3-2-1's Three Star Show!!
After 15 years, les 5-4-3-2-1 will be back this year for the time of one special show! The show will feature first vocalist Hitomi, bassist and leader Sally Kubota, and long-time collaborator Nakayama Tsutomu. In case you missed it, a...
Posted on January 7, 2009 at 23:05. | Released on March 20, 2009
Vanilla Beans "ashita wa ashita no natsu ga kuru" (Download)
Here are two more recent Vanilla Beans downloads that I had nearly missed. Both of these are to be included on the upcoming self-titled first album, although they will be offered respectively in "album version" and "remastered version". So, just...
Posted on January 4, 2009 at 23:09. | Released on December 24, 2008
ravex "I Rave You feat. DJ Ozma"
The latest from Fantastic Plastic Machine is this new all-star unit called ravex in which he teams up with Ōsawa Shinichi and Taku Takahashi (m-flo). As the name makes it sound, this is not quite the FPM we've been used...
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 14:41. | Released on December 17, 2008
Atsushi Sano "Music Menu 004"
DiscID: 260e9a16
Posted on December 11, 2008 at 22:49. | Released on November 23, 2008
enami Taisuke "Hill"
Pianist enami Taisuke presents this simple and relaxing album made of island field recordings and his playing. He can be caught live in Tokyo on December 6 at kissa nico with Asahi Miho, details at Tokyo Gig Guide. This album...
Posted on December 3, 2008 at 23:30. | Released on December 3, 2008
YMCK "Family Cooking"
DiscID: 6d063e09
Posted on December 2, 2008 at 23:57. | Released on January 21, 2009
Horie Yui "Vanilla Salt ~Toradora Ending Theme"
Anime voice actress Horie Yui's latest single will certainly appeal to Perfume and Aira Mitsuki fans, and it's arranged/produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone)! A limited edition contains a video clip of the title track, which can also be seen on...
Posted on November 30, 2008 at 21:22. | Released on October 22, 2008
Kahimi Karie "Music For Nipper"
Kahimi Karie has produced a short compilation aimed at dogs and their owners, hoping to make it ambient music able to soothe both. The music is written by Kanda Tomoki, with one track co-written by Kojima Daisuke of Port of...
Posted on November 11, 2008 at 23:25. | Released on November 5, 2008
Tomohisa Obata "Sastain Life + MUSIC" (12")
New-comer DJ, composer and trackmaker Obata Tomohisa brings us this brilliant first 12" produced by Fujisawa Shiho. These 4 cute and happy vocal tracks featuring singer Yuka will be sure to turn the heads of capsule and Perfume fans! This...
Posted on October 30, 2008 at 22:19. | Released on November 7, 2008
Vanilla Beans "Shopping Kirari" (Download)
Vanilla Beans' continue their download-only series with another new song! This is available via iTunes Japan and others. By the way, it looks like they have a CD single planned for release at the end of January. Stay tuned! Vanilla...
Posted on October 29, 2008 at 22:40. | Released on October 29, 2008
Halcali "Long Kiss Good Bye"
Halcali have a new single coming up! It's been over a year since their latest album "Cyborg oretachi", but they can also be caught on the recent Akatsuka Fujio tribute album. The B-side "Flash" is produced by Ram Rider. A...
Posted on October 13, 2008 at 23:59. | Released on November 12, 2008
yes, mama ok? "Incomplete Questions"
yes, mama ok? have a complete boxed set just out that regroups all of their releases on LD&K and Columbia. That's a total of 55 songs from "Coffee Cup de Rendez-vous tte saikō yo", "tea party", "suna no Pudding", "modern...
Posted on October 4, 2008 at 15:41. | Released on September 26, 2008
Polymoog free live at Apple Store Shibuya
Polymoog (Elektel) will perform techno-pop using the Gakken SX-150 (toy synthesizer) and other instruments. He will be accompanied by VJ HIGUCHI Yasuyuki (faction bleu). Polymoog free live on 10/3 (Friday) at Apple Store Shibuya Starts at 20:00 (30 min.) Price:...
Posted on October 2, 2008 at 09:41. | Released on October 3, 2008
Vanilla Beans "Afternoon a Go-Go -We Love You Mix-" (Download)
Vanilla Beans' recent download-only single "Afternoon a Go-Go" is now available in a remixed version, again for download only via iTunes and others. Vanilla Beans "Afternoon a Go-Go -We Love You Mix-" (Download) Tokuma TWEB-149 Out now (9/24), ¥200 Sample/buy:...
Posted on September 27, 2008 at 23:29. | Released on September 24, 2008
Suzuki Ami "can't stop the DISCO"
Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has produced Suzuki Ami's latest single, titled "can't stop the DISCO". This comes in two editions, the limited one containing a bonus DVD of the title song's video clip. Audio samples at Tower Records and HMV A...
Posted on September 27, 2008 at 21:43. | Released on September 24, 2008
Yukari Fresh "Flammable Tapes", "Instrumentally Flammable"
Just a month after a new album, here come two "greatest hits" albums from Yukari Fresh! The first, "Flammable Tapes", is a real greatest hits of tracks previously released on her albums from 1997 to 2008 going rarer everyday. The...
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 22:38. | Released on October 8, 2008
Various Artists "Joke Collection 02" (12")
Gotta keep things quiet, but this is big... Someone is back into club music mode and brings us a brand new track under the new moniker The 5243's. Produced by 5243, programming by Yoshida Tetsuto. A must! Not negligible are...
Posted on September 11, 2008 at 23:55. | Released on September 12, 2008
Aira Mitsuki "Robot Honey"
DiscID: 730aa80a
Posted on September 2, 2008 at 22:29. | Released on October 29, 2008
Various Artists "House of Jewels mixed by DJ Hico"
DJ Hico is a female DJ gaining popularity recently in the Tokyo house scene. Having been spinning at receptions for brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Miu Miu and Armani, now Towa Tei brings us her first mix CD on his...
Posted on September 1, 2008 at 23:32. | Released on September 3, 2008
